HORIBA HU-200TB Online Turbidimeter
| Brand | HORIBA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | HU-200TB |
| Type | Online Turbidimeter |
| Measurement Range | 0–1000 NTU |
| Resolution | 0.01 NTU |
| Operating Ambient Temperature | ±25 °C |
| Accuracy | ±1% of reading |
| Optical Configuration | Quadruple-light-path detection system |
| Compliance | Designed for continuous process monitoring in water treatment and environmental applications |
Overview
The HORIBA HU-200TB Online Turbidimeter is an industrial-grade, fixed-mount turbidity analyzer engineered for real-time, high-stability measurement of suspended particulate concentration in liquid streams. It operates on the principle of nephelometric detection—measuring the intensity of light scattered at 90° by suspended particles—as defined in ISO 7027 and EPA Method 180.1. Its quadruple-light-path optical architecture eliminates signal drift caused by window fouling or lamp aging, significantly enhancing long-term reliability in unattended operation. Unlike single-beam or dual-beam designs, the HU-200TB simultaneously monitors four independent optical channels to dynamically compensate for sensor surface contamination, enabling extended maintenance intervals without compromising data integrity. The instrument is calibrated traceably to NIST-traceable formazin standards and supports automatic zero and span verification protocols compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory quality requirements.
Key Features
- Quadruple-light-path optical system for active compensation of optical window fouling and LED intensity degradation
- High-resolution detection down to 0.01 NTU across a full-scale range of 0–1000 NTU, supporting both low-turbidity potable water and high-turbidity wastewater applications
- Robust stainless-steel (SUS316L) wetted parts and IP66-rated enclosure suitable for outdoor or harsh industrial environments
- Integrated temperature sensor (PT1000) for automatic temperature compensation per ISO 7027 Annex B
- Modbus RTU/ASCII and 4–20 mA analog outputs with configurable alarm relays for integration into SCADA and DCS platforms
- Self-diagnostic firmware with event logging, including optical path status, lamp health, and calibration history
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HU-200TB is validated for continuous flow-through measurement in clean water, distribution systems, effluent discharge points, and natural water bodies—including rivers, reservoirs, and stormwater overflows. It complies with international regulatory frameworks governing water quality monitoring: ISO 7027:2016 (optical properties of water), ASTM D6508 (standard practice for online turbidity measurement), and EU Directive 2020/2184 (drinking water safety). For regulated facilities operating under GLP or GMP conditions, the instrument supports audit-ready data logging with time-stamped calibration events, user access control, and optional electronic signature functionality aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with HORIBA’s certified software suite.
Software & Data Management
The HU-200TB interfaces natively with HORIBA’s LabSolutions TURBO software via RS-485 or Ethernet (optional module), enabling remote configuration, trend visualization, and automated report generation. All measurement data—including raw scatter intensity, compensated NTU values, temperature, and diagnostic flags—are timestamped and stored with millisecond resolution. The software provides built-in compliance tools: calibration certificate export (PDF/XLS), deviation alerts, and change-history tracking for critical parameters. Data exports are compatible with LIMS integration through CSV or OPC UA protocols. Firmware updates are performed securely via signed packages, maintaining cryptographic integrity throughout the device lifecycle.
Applications
- Real-time monitoring of finished drinking water at municipal treatment plants, ensuring compliance with WHO and national turbidity limits (e.g., ≤0.1 NTU for filtered water)
- Process control in membrane filtration units, where rapid turbidity spikes indicate breakthrough or module failure
- Regulatory reporting for NPDES permits—tracking turbidity excursions during combined sewer overflow (CSO) events
- Environmental monitoring stations measuring sediment transport dynamics in river basins and estuaries
- Pharmaceutical water-for-injection (WFI) loop surveillance, where particulate load must remain below USP thresholds
FAQ
What calibration standards are supported?
The HU-200TB accepts primary calibration using formazin suspension (0.1–1000 NTU), as well as secondary standards such as AMCO AEPA-1 and StablCal. Calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets traceable to NIST SRM 2037.
Can it operate in high-sediment environments like construction runoff?
Yes—the quadruple-light-path design and self-cleaning flush port option mitigate signal loss from coarse particulates; however, mechanical pre-filtration is recommended for flows exceeding 500 mg/L total suspended solids.
Is the unit suitable for hazardous area installation?
The base model is rated for non-hazardous locations (IEC 60529 IP66); ATEX/IECEx-certified variants (HU-200TB-EX) are available upon request for Zone 2 gas or Zone 21 dust environments.
How often does it require maintenance?
With standard cleaning cycles every 30 days and quarterly verification, mean time between failures exceeds 24 months; optical window replacement is typically required only after 5+ years of continuous service.
Does it support automatic temperature compensation?
Yes—integrated PT1000 sensor enables real-time correction per ISO 7027 Annex B, eliminating manual offset adjustments across 0–40 °C operational range.
